EVERETT — Ron Gipson ended a 20-year career on the Everett City Council by criticizing the fire department for a lack of minority hiring, then announcing he was done for the year, leaving the Wednesday meeting before his colleagues could even say goodbye.
Gipson, who lost his re-election bid in November to Cocoon House CEO Cassie Franklin, said during the council comment period near the start of the meeting that he “had a lot of cooking to do” for charity, his church and his family, and left immediately afterward, leaving some of his surprised colleagues to address their farewell remarks to the audience instead.
The last council meeting of the year is scheduled for Dec. 30, although Gipson said that he wouldn’t be present.
Gipson was first elected to the council in 1995. He followed his father, Carl Gipson, who served on the council for 24 years.
The otherwise routine meeting started off with the introduction of seven new fire department employees to Mayor Ray Stephanson and the council.
Gipson then commented that he was disappointed that the city wasn’t hiring more minority firefighters and police officers.
“I’m extremely disappointed that our fire department, our police department, doesn’t represent the city,” Gipson said.
“We need color, we need ladies in the fire department, and also in the police department, and that’s not happening, and I wish it would,” he added.
He then wished his colleagues and the staff a Merry Christmas, thanked his family and the city staff for their support over the years, then said it was time to say goodbye.
“I’m going to leave you for today, because I have a lot of cooking to do and my barbecue is going, and I’m doing some food for charity, and our church and also for my family,” Gipson said.
“As my father passed on to me and I’ll pass on to you, please keep your issues on the dais and don’t make them personal with council members,” he advised his colleagues.
Gipson rose to give a bouquet of flowers to Christina Wiersma, who was sitting in for council administrator Deb Williams.
Council President Scott Bader spoke up.
“As you’re doing that, we’re obviously going to thank you for your years of service and the honor of being able to serve with you, and I’m sure the other council members have a few things to say as well,” Bader said
Gipson, however, waved and left the chamber before anyone else could say anything.
“He had a very fond place in his heart for those of less privilege and was always there to speak on their behalf, and I’ll always remember that,” Stephanson said.
Reached later in the day, Gipson said he was upset with the city’s hiring practices because city has a very small number of minority firefighters and police officers.
“I can’t tell you the last time we hired a minority firefighter,” Gipson said.
“All types of people are moving into our community, and they’re missing among our firefighters and police force,” he added.
With a growing population and a diverse workforce coming into Boeing every day, Gipson said the city needs to represent that kind of demographic.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @Chris_At_Herald.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
